The Obstetrician-Gynecologist Workforce and Access for Well-Woman Examinations: What, When, Where, and by Whom?

Well-woman or wellness examinations remain an integral part of outpatient gynecologic care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that a woman should see her obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) at least once yearly. The median time to see a general OB/GYN for a new well-woman examination is now 42 days in large metropolitan markets. Despite growth in the number of OB/GYN residency positions, there has been no increase in the number of graduates pursuing general OB/GYN care, as more are pursuing subspecialty training. This shortage of OB/GYN generalist physicians will likely increase, placing more importance on team-based care.